How To Plan A Top Table For Your Wedding: Layout To Styling
The top table of your wedding reception will be the focal point of the room, and will play a key role in your memories of the day. You’ll be surrounded by the people who mean the most to you in the world, and they will be making captivating speeches and raising a celebratory toast as all eyes are on you.
As specialists in wedding flower design, we can help your top table to set the right visual and emotional tone for the day with beautiful bespoke styling. Here are some tips for planning a top table that will reflect your taste and personality, and create a delightful setting for photographs that you will treasure for years to come.
The table style and seating plan
The traditional top table is a long rectangular shape, with seating for eight of the closest members of the bridal party, who will all face outwards towards the rest of the room The layout will typically include the bride and groom at the centre, flanked by their respective parents and the best man and maid of honour.
However, not all wedding parties will neatly fit into this mould, and many couples prefer to use alternative non-traditional table arrangements. For example, you may prefer an inclusive round table that has room for the whole family or bridal party, including the bridesmaids.
You may simply want to be with your closest friends, or even have a sweetheart table, which is a smaller intimate table just for the bride and groom.
The styling concept
Whatever the layout of your top table, the style should harmonise with the venue and the rest of your wedding design. For example, if you are in a sleek modern venue and your personal style is chic and urban, you may want a sophisticated and understated look with a combination of bold and neutral colours, and luxurious details.
If your wedding has a romantic or bohemian mood, then the table will look the part with softer styling such as cascades of flowers, dried grasses, tapered candles, and textured linens.
Whatever overall effect you are aiming for, focus on building up layers of contrasting texture with runners, flowers and greenery, crystal glassware, colourful napkins or charger plates, and table stationery such as personalised name cards and individual menus. The key to a successful table is drawing all these details together.
Bring it to life with florals
Florals are a timeless wedding decoration, no matter how or where you are getting married. They provide visual beauty, colour and texture, and lift the mood with their living and vibrant presence. Floral runners perfectly complement long banquet style tables, while central bowls or vases are the classic choice for a round table.
For a rustic wedding, dot dried flowers around the table in bud vases or ikebana dishes. In more grand and formal venues, consider making a statement with an overhead floral arrangement or a floral arch.